The Week in Tech: Apple's watch, Amazon's phone

Jul. 25, 2014
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Apple's patent proposal for the iTime smartwatch. / Apple

by Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY

by Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES -- The tech week's news was dominated not by what Apple has in stores, but what's coming in the fall.

Apple's patent for a digital watch was approved Tuesday, and analysts expect the watch to be released in October. It wouldn't be the first of its kind. New smartwatches came out recently from Samsung and LG, and last year from Pebble and Martian, but consumers have mostly rejected them.

But an Apple watch? That has people talking.

People are fascinated with a watch that connects to the two most popular and iconic devices in the United States -- the iPhone and iPad.

Meanwhile, Amazon was set to introduce its first smartphone this week, the Fire, a full-priced device that has a 3D display and tools to make mobile shopping easier than ever. Critics weren't impressed. USA TODAY's Ed Baig says the Fire has "a considerable learning curve," while the Wall Street Journal's Geoffrey Fowler said it "stumbles," on many of the basics.

And in the latest security breach, users of eBay's ticket resale site StubHub got some alarming news this week: hackers stole passwords and credit card numbers to buy thousands of tickets for pop music concerts and sporting events. Once again folks, remember to change your password today, and often. It's the only to stay somewhat safe in the digital age.

Turning to the social network, a question: Have you been spending more time than ever on Facebook? You're not alone. Facebook said this week its users are hanging around for 40 minutes every day. By comparison, the Mayo Clinic recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise. So let's hope folks are using their mobile phones and walking while checking their likes and status updates.

Speaking of Facebook, the social network announced a surge in revenues for the second quarter, up 61%, while Apple and Netflix also had strong quarters. The online entertainment service now has over 50 million members, and said its profit more than doubled, helped by new subscriptions and interest in Netflix originals like Orange is the New Black, and House of Cards. Apple said it sold over 35 million iPhones in the quarter, and had record revenues.

--In App news, the no. 1 app for the week on the iTunes free download chart is Kim Kardashian's Hollywood, in which a virtual version of the reality TV star helps players in their quest for fame. The top new app for Android is the game French's World.